In excess of 30 middle age castles still remain in the southeast district of England as reminders of the days when Great britain was a land split by ruling families who created sturdy fortresses to guard their lands from invaders, both international and local. Present-day castle trips allow visitors to acquire a feeling of how crucial these amazingly preserved buildings are to the rich historical past and way of life of Great britain.

Exploring the the royal collections of notable aristocrats including Mary Queen of Scots during guided tours of the Arundel Castle in West Sussex offer tourists an idea of the splendour and grace that were all around the British aristocracy in medieval times. The specialist guides tell stories that bring the past to life as they retell well-known battles and tales that beseige this fascinating castle.

At the majestic Guildford Castle, tourists can safely go up to high atop of the Great Tower to see the wide ranging view that was utilised by the castle’s defenders to see nearing enemy troops. Indoors are shows that let guests examine versions of the castle as it was initially created in the 1300s. Informational videos reveal the function that Guildford Castle performed in British background.

The minute the impressive Herstmonceux castle comes into sight, visitors are amazed by the moat that stresses how solid defenses were required to dissuade invaders when this castle was made in the turbulent times of 15th century England. Although once in ruins, the castle has been magnificently restored and is now residence of the Queen’s Bader Institute. Surrounding the castle next to the moat are public lands that reflect the Elizabethan time when lands were exquisite playgrounds for the aristocracy. Right after the turning forest trails that lead to woodland sculptures that are displayed in the Shakesphere garden, Rose Garden and the Herb Garden present tourists a feeling of how the beauty of chivalry was once performed in the midst of these stunning surroundings.

High atop the well-known white cliffs of Kent, the Dover Castle’s breath-taking sights throughout the English channel make it obvious why this historic site has been used for centuries to protect the south eastern shores of Britain. Dover Castle was constructed by William the Conqueror in 1066 after his success at the Battle of Hastings, however there are ruins around the castle that date back much further, and proof of developments through the years. Seeing the many versions of this strategic site, including a hall once referred to as Arthur’s Hall, gives modern visitors an idea of Britain’s rich history.

When you enter Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boylen, the homely ambiance is quite different from other southeastern English castles. The exhibits of personal items and copies of the gowns worn by the six wives of Henry the VIII demonstrates the wealth of 16th century Tudor life style. But the collection of weaponry, armor and devices of torture and execution in the Council Chamber speak of a much darker side of life full of high intrigue and authentic risk that lurked in the medieval courts.

Find out more information and facts about some of the numerous Castles in England

The love affair of Edward, Prince of Wales (Edward VIII) and Wallis Simpson in 1936 is the stuff of romantic dramas. Alas, reality was a lot less inspiring. Even as she was being wooed by her regal paramour - and while still being married to Ernest Aldrich Simpson, who knew of the Prince’s attentions and even discussed the adulterous relationship with him - Wallis had an affair with Guy Marcus Trundle, a car salesman.

So reveal documents released in January 2003 by the Public Record Office in the United Kingdom. Trundle is described as a “very charming adventurer, very good looking, well bred and an excellent dancer”. He lived at 18 Bruton Street in Mayfair, London (a prestigious address).

Simpson’s first husband was Earl Winfield Spencer. The King met her on January 10, 1931 but was not impressed. Even in the months after May 1934, when he met her for the second time, dined with her and her husband in their London flat and invited them to his country retreat - she did not captivate him. He did take her on a cruise, two years later, unaccompanied by her husband. He tried to introduce her in court, but George V was outraged. Upon his death, the Prince of Wales became King on January 20, 1936. Ernest Simpson - who was having a long-term affair of his own - moved out of the Simpson household in July 1936.

Nor was Wallis the Prince’s first American liaison. He contemplated marrying one, Thelma Furness, but then dumped her for Simpson. The British media - though perfectly aware of all the goings-on, reported noting almost until the King’s abdication. The European and American press, in contrast, provided extensive coverage of the developing romance.

At first, the King did not wish to marry Simpson, merely to make her his consort by changing the law to allow for a morganatic marriage (of people from different classes, with no rights of inheritance). Simpson herself thought of giving up the marriage. Yet, finally, they got married after the abdication, in France. Though Simpson became the Duchess of Windsor, she could not be addressed as “Her Royal Highness”.

Additionally, the King was not allowed by the British government to address the British people and the Empire through the BBC.

The government’s constitutional experts wrote:

“If the King disregarded it, constitutional monarchy would cease to exist. The King is bound to accept and act upon the advice of his ministers … for the King to broadcast in disregard of that advice would be appealing over the heads of his constitutional advisers. “The last time when this happened in English history was when Charles I raised His Standard at the beginning of the Civil War on 22 August 1642.”

Edward abdicated from the throne on 11 December 1936, making a different speech.

After having abdicated the throne, in exile, not allowed to return on pain of losing their allowance, the couple visited Adolf Hitler in 1937. Simpson was thrilled to be “entertained by Herr Hitler” but there is no proof of further contacts with the Nazi regime with the exception of a telegram from Edward to Hitler, urging peace. Edward was later appointed Governor of the Bahamas. Recently released FBI files identify Simpson as a Nazi sympathizer, though. The FBI suspected her of having an affair with a leading Nazi and spied on her.

Sam Vaknin ( samvak.tripod.com ) is the author of Malignant Self Love - Narcissism Revisited and After the Rain - How the West Lost the East. He served as a columnist for Global Politician, Central Europe Review, PopMatters, Bellaonline, and eBookWeb, a United Press International (UPI) Senior Business Correspondent, and the editor of mental health and Central East Europe categories in The Open Directory and Suite101.

Until recently, he served as the Economic Advisor to the Government of Macedonia.

Visit Sam’s Web site at samvak.tripod.com

With the exception of Watergate, there has never been a scandal more egregious and with wider implications than the Teapot Dome affair during the presidency of Warren G. Harding. It involved the secret leasing to private companies of oil-containing tracts owned by the Navy, mainly in Wyoming and California.

“Domes” are natural reservoirs of crude oil. The “Teapot Dome” - named after a rock resembling the kitchen implement - was near Casper, Wyoming. It was “reserved” in 1920 for the future energy needs of American Navy vessels.

Senator Albert B. Fall of New Mexico - Harding’s secretary of the Interior - opposed this “conservation” policy. Hence his furtive attempt - in collusion with Secretary of the Navy, Edward Denby and others - to lease the domes to private extractors. Teapot Dome was leased to Harry F. Sinclair’s Mammoth Oil Company. The Elk Hills reserve in California was rented to Edward L. Doheny’s Pan-American Petroleum and Transport Company. The two gave Fall and others gifts and “loans” amounting to $400,000 - an enormous fortune at the time.

The scandal was made public in 1922 in a long investigation by the U.S. Senate’s Committee on Public Lands led by Senator Thomas J. Walsh from Montana and Senator Robert M. Lafollette.

After much prevarication by Attorney General Harry M. Daugherty, Fall was brought to justice. He sentenced to one year in prison and $100,000 fine in 1929 and many officials were implicated. Daugherty himself resigned in 1924. When Harding died in 1923, he was succeeded by Calvin Coolidge and public outrage subsided. Coolidge acted resolutely and appointed special prosecutors under his personal supervision to protect the interests of the government.

The Supreme Court annulled both the Elk Hills and the Teapot Dome leases in 1927. But, though government officials were convicted of corruption and conspiracy - no oilman was found guilty of bribing (still, they paid damages). Sinclair refused to collaborate with a second Senate investigation and hired gumshoes to shadow members of the jury in his case. He served a short sentence for tampering with a jury and for criminal contempt.

The Democrats failed to capitalize on the affair and lost the presidential elections in both 1924 and 1928.

Sam Vaknin ( samvak.tripod.com ) is the author of Malignant Self Love - Narcissism Revisited and After the Rain - How the West Lost the East. He served as a columnist for Global Politician, Central Europe Review, PopMatters, Bellaonline, and eBookWeb, a United Press International (UPI) Senior Business Correspondent, and the editor of mental health and Central East Europe categories in The Open Directory and Suite101.

Until recently, he served as the Economic Advisor to the Government of Macedonia.

Visit Sam’s Web site at samvak.tripod.com